A Role for Second Messengers in Axodendritic Neuronal Polarity

Abstract

Neuronal polarization is a complex molecular process regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. Nerve cells integrate multiple extracellular cues to generate intracellular messengers that ultimately control cell morphology, metabolism, and gene expression. Therefore, second messengers' local concentration and temporal regulation are crucial elements for acquiring a polarized morphology in neurons. This review article summarizes the main findings and current understanding of how Ca2+, IP3, cAMP, cGMP, and hydrogen peroxide control different aspects of neuronal polarization, and highlights questions that still need to be resolved to fully understand the fascinating cellular processes involved in axodendritic polarization.